Soldiers from the Royal School of Military Survey paraded through the streets last week

Soldiers from the Royal School of Military Survey (RSMS), based at Denison Barracks, paraded through the streets on Thursday for the first time since they were honoured with the Freedom of the Town by Thatcham Town Council in 2011.

Ellen Crumly, mayor of Thatcham, said: “It went extremely well. We were very lucky with the weather, which meant there were a lot of people on the streets and they applauded the soldiers as we passed.

“It went really, really well and a lot of people seemed to be having a good time.”

She joined the 70 soldiers, 25 members of the Band of the Corps of the Royal Engineers and members of the Royal British Legion and the Royal Engineers Association to march from Brownsfield Road, along the A4, the High Street and into Thatcham Broadway.

A short ceremony then took place, which was also attended by Newbury’s MP Richard Benyon; the Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, James Puxley; the High Sheriff of Berkshire, Victoria Fishburn; six past town mayors and nine current town councillors. Major General Roy Wood took the salute.

The military band played a special open-air concert at the town’s cricket club in the afternoon, where refreshments were served and everyone was welcome.

Members of the Royal British Legion provided a large celebratory cake that was enjoyed by those who gathered at the cricket club after the parade.

“It was a lovely day and it was really lovely to see all the past mayors return,” added Mrs Crumly. “I must also say a big thank you to the cricket club for the refreshments and to the Royal British Legion for providing the delicious cake.”

The honour was given to the soldiers five years ago in recognition of the ‘outstanding contribution the RSMS has made to the education and training of defence personnel and the close relationship which has existed between the RSMS, together with the Corps of Royal Engineers, at Denison Barracks and the residents of Thatcham for more than sixty years’.